Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for sending a flight plan for execution by a drone, where the flight plan is adapted to a flight controller of the drone. Receiving flight data from the drone while the drone is executing the flight plan. Determining a modification to the flight plan based on the flight data received from the drone. Sending the modification to the flight plan to the drone while the drone is executing the flight plan, such that the drone executes the flight plan as modified by the modification.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A computer-implemented method for configuring an autonomous drone landing device (ADLD), the method being executed by one or more processors and comprising: receiving, by the one or more processors, sensor data that represents airspace above an ADLD, orientation data that indicates an orientation of a landing pad associated with an ADLD, and location data that indicates a geographic location of the ADLD; determining, by the one or more processors, attributes to define a drone approach corridor based on the sensor data, the orientation data, and the location data; registering the ADLD with a drone control platform; determining, based on the orientation data, that the landing pad is not properly oriented for a drone to land on the landing pad; and in response to determining that the landing pad is not properly oriented, alerting a user that the landing pad is not properly oriented.
This patent describes a computer-implemented method for configuring an autonomous drone landing device (ADLD). The problem addressed is ensuring safe and efficient drone landings by verifying the orientation of the landing pad. The method involves a processor receiving sensor data of the airspace above the ADLD, orientation data of the associated landing pad, and the geographic location of the ADLD. Based on this data, the processor determines attributes for a drone approach corridor. The ADLD is registered with a drone control platform. Crucially, the method determines if the landing pad is improperly oriented for a drone landing using the received orientation data. If the landing pad is found to be not properly oriented, a user is alerted to this condition.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the drone approach corridor extends from a drone highway to the landing pad associated with the ADLD.
This invention relates to drone navigation systems for autonomous drone landing and delivery (ADLD). The technology addresses the challenge of safely and efficiently guiding drones from a drone highway to a designated landing pad, particularly in urban or high-traffic environments where precise navigation is critical. The method involves defining a drone approach corridor that serves as a controlled flight path from a drone highway to a specific landing pad. The corridor ensures that drones follow a predefined route, avoiding obstacles and other air traffic. The system dynamically adjusts the corridor based on real-time conditions, such as weather, wind patterns, or unexpected obstacles, to maintain safe and efficient drone operations. The approach corridor may also incorporate altitude restrictions, speed limits, and waypoints to further refine the drone's path. Additionally, the system may integrate with traffic management systems to coordinate multiple drones, preventing collisions and optimizing flight efficiency. The landing pad is equipped with sensors and communication systems to guide the drone during the final descent, ensuring accurate and safe landings. The overall system enhances the reliability and scalability of drone-based delivery services, particularly in densely populated areas where precise navigation is essential.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sensor data is one or more images of the airspace.
This invention relates to monitoring airspace using sensor data, specifically one or more images of the airspace. The system captures visual data of the airspace to detect and track objects, such as aircraft, drones, or other flying objects. The method processes these images to identify and analyze the movement, position, and characteristics of objects within the monitored airspace. This helps in ensuring safety, managing air traffic, and preventing unauthorized or hazardous activities. The system may use image processing techniques, such as object detection, tracking algorithms, and machine learning models, to interpret the sensor data accurately. The captured images can be from various sources, including cameras, satellites, or other imaging devices, and may be processed in real-time or stored for later analysis. The method enhances situational awareness by providing detailed visual information about the airspace, enabling better decision-making for air traffic control, security, and surveillance purposes. The system may also integrate with other sensors or data sources to improve accuracy and reliability.
4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: determining, based on the sensor data, that the airspace above the ADLD is obstructed; and in response to determining that the airspace above the ADLD is obstructed, alerting a user that the airspace above the ADLD is obstructed.
This invention relates to systems for monitoring and managing airspace above autonomous delivery landing devices (ADLDs). The technology addresses the problem of ensuring safe and unobstructed airspace for autonomous delivery drones or other aerial vehicles when landing or taking off from designated ADLD locations. The system uses sensor data to detect obstructions in the airspace above an ADLD, such as nearby structures, other aircraft, or environmental conditions that could interfere with flight operations. When an obstruction is detected, the system generates an alert to notify users, such as drone operators or ground control personnel, of the potential hazard. This allows for timely intervention to avoid collisions or operational disruptions. The invention enhances safety and reliability in autonomous aerial delivery systems by providing real-time monitoring and proactive alerts for airspace obstructions. The solution integrates with existing ADLD infrastructure, leveraging sensor data to assess airspace conditions and trigger appropriate warnings when necessary. This ensures that delivery operations can proceed smoothly while minimizing risks associated with obstructed airspace.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein alerting the user that the airspace above the ADLD is obstructed comprises providing, for display on a user computing device, a notification that the airspace above the ADLD is obstructed and instructions for the user to relocate the ADLD.
This invention relates to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations, specifically addressing the problem of detecting and alerting users to obstructions in the airspace above an autonomous drone landing device (ADLD). The ADLD is a system designed to facilitate safe and precise landings for UAVs, but its effectiveness depends on clear airspace. The invention provides a method to monitor the airspace above the ADLD for obstructions, such as other aircraft, structures, or environmental hazards, and to notify the user when such obstructions are detected. The notification is displayed on a user computing device, informing the user that the airspace is obstructed and providing instructions to relocate the ADLD to a safer location. This ensures that UAV landings remain safe and uninterrupted by dynamically assessing airspace conditions and prompting corrective action when necessary. The method enhances operational safety and reliability for UAV landing operations in dynamic environments.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the notification includes a graphical representation of a location of the obstruction with respect to the ADLD and a direction for the user to move the ADLD away from the obstruction.
This invention relates to assistive devices for visually impaired individuals, specifically an audio-based device with location detection and obstruction notification. The device detects obstacles in the user's path and provides audio feedback to guide them safely. The method involves using sensors to identify obstructions and determining their relative position to the device. When an obstruction is detected, the device generates a notification that includes a graphical representation of the obstruction's location relative to the device. The notification also provides directional guidance to help the user move the device away from the obstruction. The graphical representation may include spatial audio cues or haptic feedback to indicate the obstruction's direction and distance. The device continuously monitors the environment and updates the notification as the user moves, ensuring real-time guidance. This system enhances mobility and safety for visually impaired individuals by providing clear, actionable feedback about nearby obstacles.
7. The method of claim 4 , wherein alerting the user that the airspace above the ADLD is obstructed comprises activating an indicator on the ADLD to notify the user that the airspace above the ADLD is obstructed and to indicate a direction in which to move the ADLD away from the obstruction.
This invention relates to an airspace monitoring system for an autonomous drone landing device (ADLD) that detects and alerts users to obstructions in the airspace above the device. The system addresses the problem of drones encountering unexpected obstacles during landing or takeoff, which can lead to collisions or operational failures. The ADLD includes sensors to monitor the airspace for obstructions such as buildings, trees, or other drones. When an obstruction is detected, the system activates an indicator on the ADLD to notify the user that the airspace is obstructed. The indicator also provides directional guidance, showing the user the direction in which to move the ADLD to avoid the obstruction. This ensures safe and efficient drone operations by preventing collisions and allowing for real-time adjustments. The system enhances situational awareness for users, particularly in environments where airspace conditions may change dynamically. The invention improves safety and reliability in autonomous drone landing operations by integrating obstruction detection with user feedback mechanisms.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein alerting the user that the landing pad is not properly oriented comprises providing, for display on a user computing device, a notification that the landing pad is not properly oriented and instructions for the user to correct the orientation of the landing pad.
This invention relates to a system for ensuring proper orientation of a landing pad, particularly in applications such as drone or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) landings. The problem addressed is the misalignment of landing pads, which can lead to failed landings, equipment damage, or operational inefficiencies. The system detects when a landing pad is improperly oriented and alerts the user to correct the issue. The method involves monitoring the landing pad's orientation using sensors or imaging systems. When misalignment is detected, the system generates a notification on a user computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet. The notification explicitly states that the landing pad is not properly oriented and provides step-by-step instructions for the user to adjust its position. The instructions may include visual or textual guidance, such as directional arrows or alignment markers, to help the user correct the orientation accurately. This ensures that the landing pad is properly aligned before the drone or UAV attempts to land, reducing the risk of accidents and improving operational reliability. The system may also include feedback mechanisms to confirm successful alignment before proceeding with the landing sequence.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the notification includes a graphical representation of a present orientation of the landing pad and a corrected orientation for the landing pad to guide the user in correcting the orientation of the landing pad.
This invention relates to systems for guiding the orientation of a landing pad, particularly for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones. The problem addressed is ensuring accurate alignment of the landing pad to facilitate safe and precise landings, as misalignment can lead to collisions or failed landings. The method involves generating a notification that includes a graphical representation of the current orientation of the landing pad and a corrected orientation. This visual guidance helps users adjust the landing pad to the proper alignment. The graphical representation may include overlays, arrows, or other visual indicators that show the discrepancy between the current and desired orientations. The system may use sensors or cameras to detect the landing pad's position and orientation in real-time, then provide feedback to the user through a display or interface. The corrected orientation is determined based on predefined alignment criteria, such as optimal landing angles or spatial constraints. This method ensures that the landing pad is properly aligned before the UAV approaches, reducing the risk of landing errors. The invention is particularly useful in environments where precise landing is critical, such as industrial or emergency response applications.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein alerting the user that the landing pad is not properly oriented comprises activating an indicator on the ADLD to notify the user that the landing pad is not properly oriented and to indicate a direction in which to move ADLD in order to correct the orientation of the landing pad.
This invention relates to an autonomous drone landing device (ADLD) that assists in properly orienting a landing pad for drone operations. The problem addressed is ensuring the landing pad is correctly aligned to facilitate safe and accurate drone landings, as misalignment can lead to operational failures or accidents. The ADLD includes a system that detects the orientation of the landing pad relative to the drone's approach path. If the landing pad is not properly oriented, the ADLD activates an indicator to notify the user of the misalignment and provides directional guidance on how to adjust the landing pad's position. The indicator may include visual, auditory, or haptic feedback to clearly communicate the required correction. The system continuously monitors the orientation and updates the indicator until the landing pad is properly aligned, ensuring optimal landing conditions. This method enhances operational safety and reliability by preventing drone landing errors due to improper pad orientation.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein registering the ADLD with a drone control platform comprises sending, to the drone control platform, data identifying the ADLD and data defining the drone approach corridor associated with the ADLD.
A system and method for managing drone operations in a designated landing zone (ADLD) involves registering the ADLD with a drone control platform. The registration process includes transmitting data that identifies the ADLD and defines the drone approach corridor associated with it. The approach corridor specifies the spatial and navigational parameters that drones must follow when approaching the ADLD for landing or takeoff. This ensures safe and controlled drone operations within the designated area. The system may also include mechanisms for verifying drone authorization, monitoring drone movements, and enforcing compliance with the defined approach corridor. The method supports integration with existing drone control platforms to facilitate coordination between multiple drones and ground-based systems. The approach corridor data may include boundaries, altitude restrictions, and flight paths to prevent collisions and unauthorized access. This solution addresses challenges in managing drone traffic in shared airspace, particularly in urban or high-density environments where multiple drones may operate simultaneously. The system enhances safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance in drone operations.
12. The method of claim 1 , further comprising, after registering the ADLD, sending signals from the ADLD to the drone control platform that indicate that the ADLD is functioning properly.
A system and method for drone operations involves an autonomous drone landing device (ADLD) that facilitates safe and precise drone landings. The ADLD includes a landing platform with sensors, communication modules, and a power source, enabling it to detect and guide drones for landing. The system also includes a drone control platform that communicates with the ADLD to coordinate landing procedures. The ADLD registers with the drone control platform, establishing a connection for data exchange. After registration, the ADLD sends signals to the drone control platform to confirm its operational status, ensuring the system is functioning properly before initiating any landing sequences. This verification step enhances safety by preventing landings on malfunctioning or improperly configured ADLDs. The system may also include additional features such as obstacle detection, environmental monitoring, and adaptive landing adjustments to improve reliability in various conditions. The overall solution aims to automate and secure drone landings, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing risks associated with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations.
13. The method of claim 1 , further comprising, after registering the ADLD: determining that the airspace above the ADLD; and in response to determining that the airspace above the ADLD is obstructed, sending a notification to the drone control platform indicating that at least a portion of the drone approach corridor associated with the ADLD is unavailable for drones to enter.
This invention relates to drone navigation and airspace management, specifically addressing the challenge of ensuring safe and efficient drone operations by monitoring and managing airspace availability around designated landing zones. The system involves registering an Airspace Data Landing Designation (ADLD) for a specific landing area, which defines a drone approach corridor for safe takeoff and landing. The method further includes determining whether the airspace above the ADLD is obstructed, such as by other aircraft, weather conditions, or physical barriers. If an obstruction is detected, the system sends a notification to the drone control platform, indicating that at least part of the approach corridor is unavailable for drone entry. This ensures that drones avoid restricted or hazardous airspace, preventing collisions and improving operational safety. The system dynamically updates airspace availability to maintain safe and efficient drone operations.
14. A computer-implemented method for coordinating a drone approach to a landing site with an autonomous drone landing device (ADLD), the method being executed by one or more processors and comprising: receiving, by the one or more processors, an indication that a drone has entered an airspace associated with an ADLD, the airspace being defined, in part, by a boundary; receiving, by the one or more processors, first data from a sensor of the ADLD that is configured to monitor the airspace associated with the ADLD; receiving, by the one or more processors, orientation data that indicates an orientation of a landing pad associated with an ADLD and location data that indicates a geographic location of the ADLD; determining, by the one or more processors and based on the first data, a position of the drone with respect to the boundary of the airspace associated with the ADLD; communicating, by the one or more processors, second data to the drone to guide the drone's flight within the airspace based on the determined position of the drone with respect to the boundary of the airspace; determining, based on the orientation data, that the landing pad is not properly oriented for a drone to land on the landing pad; and in response to determining that the landing pad is not properly oriented, alerting a user that the landing pad is not properly oriented.
This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for coordinating a drone's approach to a landing site using an autonomous drone landing device (ADLD). The system addresses challenges in ensuring safe and accurate drone landings by monitoring airspace, guiding drone flight, and verifying landing pad orientation. The method involves receiving an indication that a drone has entered an airspace associated with the ADLD, where the airspace is defined by a boundary. Sensors on the ADLD monitor this airspace and provide data to determine the drone's position relative to the boundary. The system also receives orientation and location data for the landing pad. Based on sensor data, the system calculates the drone's position and communicates guidance data to the drone to adjust its flight path within the airspace. Additionally, the system checks the landing pad's orientation using the received orientation data. If the landing pad is not properly aligned for a safe landing, the system alerts a user to correct the orientation. This ensures that the drone can land safely and accurately. The method improves drone landing safety by dynamically monitoring airspace, guiding drone flight, and verifying landing pad readiness.
15. An autonomous drone landing device (ADLD) comprising: one or more processors; a data store coupled to the one or more processors having instructions stored thereon for execution by the one or more processors; a sensor coupled to the one or more processors, and configured to monitor airspace above the ADLD; a warning device coupled to the one or more processors, and configured to alert bystanders of an approaching drone; and one or more communication interfaces coupled to the one or more processors, and configured to communicate with a drone control platform and a drone, and wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors perform operations comprising: receiving, by the one or more processors, orientation data that indicates an orientation of a landing pad associated with an ADLD; determining, based on the orientation data, that the landing pad is not properly oriented for a drone to land on the landing pad; and in response to determining that the landing pad is not properly oriented, alerting a user that the landing pad is not properly oriented.
The autonomous drone landing device (ADLD) is designed to facilitate safe and accurate drone landings by monitoring airspace, alerting bystanders, and ensuring proper landing pad orientation. The device includes one or more processors, a data store with executable instructions, a sensor to monitor airspace above the landing area, a warning device to alert bystanders of an approaching drone, and communication interfaces to interact with a drone control platform and the drone itself. The system detects the orientation of the landing pad and determines if it is correctly positioned for a drone to land. If the landing pad is misaligned, the device alerts the user to adjust its orientation. This ensures that drones can land safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of accidents or improper landings. The ADLD enhances operational safety by integrating real-time monitoring, communication, and user feedback to support autonomous drone operations.
16. The ADLD of claim 15 , wherein the operations further comprise: receiving, by the one or more processors, sensor data that represents airspace above an ADLD and location data that indicates a geographic location of the ADLD; determining, by the one or more processors, attributes to define a drone approach corridor based on the sensor data, the orientation data, and the location data; and registering the ADLD with a drone control platform.
This invention relates to drone landing and delivery systems (ADLDs) designed to facilitate safe and efficient drone operations in urban or controlled environments. The system addresses challenges in managing drone traffic, ensuring safe landing zones, and integrating drone operations with existing infrastructure. The ADLD includes a landing platform equipped with sensors and communication systems to monitor airspace conditions, detect obstacles, and guide drones during approach and landing. The system processes sensor data, orientation data, and geographic location data to define a drone approach corridor, ensuring safe and precise navigation. Additionally, the ADLD registers with a centralized drone control platform, enabling coordination with other drones, air traffic management systems, and ground-based infrastructure. This integration allows for real-time monitoring, collision avoidance, and compliance with regulatory requirements. The system enhances operational efficiency, safety, and scalability in drone-based delivery and logistics applications.
17. The ADLD of claim 16 , wherein the operations further comprise: receiving, by the one or more processors, an indication that a drone has entered an airspace associated with an ADLD, the airspace being defined, in part, by a boundary; receiving, by the one or more processors, first data from a sensor of the ADLD that is configured to monitor the airspace associated with the ADLD; determining, by the one or more processors and based on the first data, a position of the drone with respect to the boundary of the airspace associated with the ADLD; and communicating, by the one or more processors, second data to the drone to guide the drone's flight within the airspace based on the determined position of the drone with respect to the boundary of the airspace.
This invention relates to drone airspace management systems, specifically an Airspace Data and Location Device (ADLD) that monitors and controls drone flight within defined airspace boundaries. The system addresses the challenge of ensuring safe and compliant drone operations by dynamically tracking drone positions and providing real-time guidance to prevent boundary violations. The ADLD includes sensors to monitor airspace and processes sensor data to determine a drone's position relative to predefined boundaries. Upon detecting a drone entering the monitored airspace, the system receives sensor data, analyzes it to calculate the drone's location, and transmits guidance data to the drone. This guidance adjusts the drone's flight path to maintain safe operation within the designated airspace, preventing unauthorized entry into restricted zones or collisions with other aircraft. The system may also include additional features such as boundary definition, sensor calibration, and communication protocols to ensure accurate tracking and reliable guidance. The ADLD operates autonomously or in conjunction with other airspace management systems to enhance drone safety and regulatory compliance. This technology is particularly useful in urban environments, restricted zones, or areas with high drone traffic, where precise airspace control is critical.
18. The ADLD of claim 16 comprising a landing pad coupled to the ADLD, wherein the landing pad comprises a drone charging station.
The invention relates to an autonomous drone landing device (ADLD) designed to facilitate the safe and efficient landing of drones, particularly in environments where manual landing assistance is impractical or unavailable. The ADLD includes a landing pad that is physically coupled to the device, providing a designated area for drones to land. The landing pad is equipped with a drone charging station, enabling drones to recharge their batteries automatically upon landing. This integration ensures that drones can operate continuously without manual intervention, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency. The ADLD may also include additional features such as sensors, guidance systems, or communication modules to assist drones in locating and aligning with the landing pad accurately. The charging station may utilize wireless charging technology or physical connectors to transfer power to the drone, depending on the specific design. This system is particularly useful in applications such as surveillance, delivery services, or environmental monitoring, where drones need to operate autonomously for extended periods. The invention addresses the challenge of maintaining drone operations by providing a self-contained solution for landing and recharging, thereby enhancing reliability and reducing the need for human oversight.
19. The ADLD of claim 15 , wherein the operations further comprise: receiving, by the one or more processors, sensor data that represents airspace above an ADLD, orientation data that indicates an orientation of a landing pad associated with an ADLD, and location data that indicates a geographic location of the ADLD; determining, by the one or more processors, attributes to define a drone approach corridor based on the sensor data, the orientation data, and the location data; registering the ADLD with a drone control platform; receiving, by the one or more processors, an indication that a drone has entered an airspace associated with an ADLD, the airspace being defined, in part, by a boundary; receiving, by the one or more processors, first data from a sensor of the ADLD that is configured to monitor the airspace associated with the ADLD; determining, by the one or more processors and based on the first data, a position of the drone with respect to the boundary of the airspace associated with the ADLD; and communicating, by the one or more processors, second data to the drone to guide the drone's flight within the airspace based on the determined position of the drone with respect to the boundary of the airspace.
This invention relates to an autonomous drone landing detection (ADLD) system designed to manage drone operations in controlled airspace. The system addresses challenges in ensuring safe and efficient drone navigation, particularly during landing approaches, by dynamically defining and monitoring designated airspace corridors. The ADLD system receives sensor data, orientation data, and location data to determine attributes defining a drone approach corridor. Sensors monitor the airspace above the landing pad, while orientation and location data help establish the boundaries of the corridor. The system registers the ADLD with a drone control platform, enabling coordination with other drones and air traffic management systems. When a drone enters the monitored airspace, the ADLD system processes sensor data to track the drone's position relative to the defined boundary. Based on this tracking, the system communicates guidance data to the drone, adjusting its flight path to ensure it remains within the designated corridor. This ensures safe navigation, collision avoidance, and precise landing alignment. The system dynamically adapts to environmental conditions and drone movements, providing real-time adjustments to maintain operational safety. This approach enhances drone autonomy while minimizing human intervention, making it suitable for applications in logistics, surveillance, and emergency response.
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April 15, 2020
February 15, 2022
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